This episode of Decoder features Verge writer Josh Dzieza discussing his investigation into Kevin O'Leary's failed plan to build the world's largest AI data center in Utah. The project sparked a fierce local backlash due to its secretive approval process and massive scale, ultimately stalling after community protests and political fallout. The episode explores broader tensions between the AI industry's infrastructure boom and local democracy.
Summarized by Podsumo
The data center required 9 gigawatts of power, more than double Utah's average electricity use, and would have been the largest in the world.
The project was approved through a state military agency without notifying the county government or local residents, sparking outrage over a lack of transparency.
The political backlash was so severe that it unseated two county commissioners and Utah's powerful Senate President, who was the chair of the approving agency.
Kevin O'Leary called protesters Chinese spies on Fox News, leading to a forced on-air apology and a defamation lawsuit.
Data centers offer few local jobs and no immediate benefits, making them intensely unpopular among communities even when landowners stand to profit.
"For some reason, the truck tank guy is involved. — Josh Dzieza, describing how residents first heard about Kevin O'Leary's involvement"
"This is not necessarily the most thoughtful way to build what's supposed to be a civilization-scale technology. — Josh Dzieza, criticizing the rush to build AI infrastructure"
"No one wants a data center in their backyard, even people who might directly profit from them. — Josh Dzieza, summarizing the universal opposition"